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Former Ireland swimmer and lifeguard avoids jail for child abuse videos
Summary
Kevin Harty, a former national swimmer and lifeguard, was sentenced at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court for possession of child pornography. The defendant pleaded guilty to possessing 1,299 video files involving children aged between one and 15 years old at his address in Ballinteer, Dublin, on September 7, 2018. Judge Elma Sheahan described the offence as serious, noting that children were cruelly exploited, though the volume of files was not at the highest level. Harty, who has no previous convictions, has been engaging with therapeutic services since November 2018. Citing concrete evidence that rehabilitation is underway, the Judge sentenced Harty to two years imprisonment but suspended the entirety of the sentence on strict conditions. These conditions require him to continue engaging with therapeutic services. The court heard that Harty was arrested at his workplace after an investigation involving UK authorities identified his laptop as the source of the downloads. Prosecutors noted that while most files were category two, one depicting a baby was category one. Defence counsel highlighted Harty's cooperation, his admission of possession without distribution, and his personal difficulties following the end of a long relationship. Harty has lost his job since his arrest.
Who, what, where, when and why
What: Report matter: Former Ireland swimmer and lifeguard avoids jail for child abuse videos. Charges or matters: possession of child pornography at his address on September 7, 2018. Procedural stage: sentence
When:
- September 7, 2018 Incident
- November 2018 Other
- October 9, 2017 Incident
- August 3, 2018 Incident
- 2021-02-01 Publication
Case subjects
Defendant
Charges: possession of child pornography at his address on September 7, 2018 (Admitted)
Plea: Guilty
Outcome: She sentenced Harty to two years imprisonment, but suspended the entirety of the sentence on strict conditions including that he continue to engage with therapeutic services.
Places mentioned
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